Sittingbourne: The A-level results are in for the class of 2017

Students across Sittingbourne have been finding out whether they received the A-level grades they needed to take their next steps.

Results were revealed this morning and schools across the town were filled with exam takers eager to know how they got on.

Here is a summary of how each school performed:

Fulston students and staff celebrate A-level results day

Fulston Manor

More than 60 students are off to university after Fulston's class of 2017 achieved another set of good results.

Increasingly, they are opting to study closer to home, with the universities of Kent and Christ Church proving popular.

Among those who did extrememly well were Kaitlyn Festa (three A*s and two As) and Julia Dmitrejeva (three As, one B and a C).

Fulston head teacher Alan Brookes

Head teacher Alan Brookes said: “It is very impressive to see so many students doing so well, particularly as this has been the first year of new style A-levels in many subjects which have been designed to increase the challenge for everyone.

"Our results are broadly in line with those of last year and the slight drop in university entrants appears to be attributable to fewer students wishing to pursue this progression route because of concerns regarding student debt.

"This is also the reason for an increased proportion of students looking to study locally, though we are, of course, extremely fortunate to have excellent universities close to us."

Happy A-level students at Borden Grammar School

Borden Grammar School for Boys

At Borden, the stand-out performer was Craig Clark who broke the school's record for the best ever results.

His six top grades included four A*s and two As and he is off to St Anne’s College, Oxford to study physics.

There were 116 students who sat exams at Borden and 64% of their grades were A* to C.

Other high achievers were Ieuan Mason (two A*s, two As), Edward Yip (two A*s, an A and a B) and Nicolas Waters (two A*s, an A and a B). Thomas Noakes and Michael Hezekiah also received three or more As.

Michael Hezekiah, who is now going through clearing but says "everything happens for a reason"

Many students will head to Russell Group universities - the 24 leading universities in Britain - while others have secured training placements at a number of leading banks and blue-chip companies.

Chris Brinn, assistant head, said: “All students who have been successful have worked hard for their results and are to be congratulated on all they have achieved and also for all that they have contributed to the life of the school.

"They have provided excellent leadership amongst the student body and have bright futures ahead of them."

Westlands/SCC/Swale Skills Centre

Today's results were the first for the Swale Sixth Form - students who took courses delivered at Westlands School, Sittingbourne Community College and Swale Skills Centre.

More than 170 students across the schools sat more than 420 exams.

Between them, they achieved more than 280 A* to B grades and 363 A* to C grades in 41 different courses. The overall A*to E pass rate was 99%.

Ryan Gallop, of Swale Sixth Form, who achieved four A-grades

Zara Romney, head of Swale Sixth Form, said: "The real success lies in the numbers of students going on to university and high-level apprenticeships.

"We anticipate over 90 students will be heading off to university and more than 40 students are taking up apprenticeships, which is proof that Swale Sixth Form offers something for everyone, and clear progression for learners of all abilities and areas of interest."

Ryan Gallop's As in chemistry, maths, physics and finance means he is off to the University of Kent to do mathematics.

Twins Taylor and Haydn Wootton are off to Surrey University to study aerospace engineering after each getting a distinction* in engineering, as well as As in physics and further maths.

Swale Sixth Form's Josie Pengelly is off to uni

There were triple distinction*s for Josie Pengelly in dance and Martha Errington in health and social care. Josie also got an A in English literature and they are both off to university.

Mrs Romney added: "We would like to wish all our leavers the very best of luck in their next steps – we are immensely proud of you all, and know that your success will inspire our new students as they start their journey with us."

Highsted Grammar School

There was a 100% A-level pass rate for students at Highsted.

The percentage of students achieving at least one A* or A was 69%, up from 63% compared to last year.

Highsted's Isobel Clark who's off to Exeter and hopes to become a journalist or go into law

Assistant head Daniel Quinn said: "With the A* grade to identify those truly outstanding students, competition at A-level for university places is extremely fierce.

"We are delighted that our students have secured their offer of a university place to commence study in September.

Highsted students attempt a jump for joy

"We offer our congratulations and best wishes to everyone who is leaving Highsted this year and trust that the education they have received will continue to support them throughout their future careers."